Nebraska lawmakers are returning gay rights issues to the forefront.

Lawmakers will hear testimony on three proposals Thursday that would extend gay rights for employees and families.

Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad is offering a bill that would ban businesses from discriminating against current or prospective employees based on their sexual orientation or marital status. The bill would not apply to religious groups.

Sen. Ernie Chambers introduced a similar bill in 2007, but it was killed by a 24-15 vote. Conrad says she thinks it’s a good time to revisit the issue since people are becoming more open to gay rights locally and nationally, especially since the repeal of the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy.

Other bills up for discussion deal with foster care and adoption.